BMW Repair: Creak/squeak in front suspension 2001 740iL, electronic chassis, nut and bolt

Question
I have had an unbearable creak in the driver's side fron suspension.  It get's a lot worse after having driven for 30 minutes or more. (heat expanding something?) Every bump in the road, at all speeds.  A dealer replaced both front "trust rods with bushings" and this did nothing for the problem.  The dealer since went out of business! Any thoughts? The car does have 113K miles--looks good but sounds like a junk wagon coming down the street...HELP!
Thanks,
Ken  

Answer
Ken, The dealership replaced a very commonly faulty set of bushings and don't feel like you wasted money because every E38 will have them replaced in it's lifetime. The hardest thing for me to do is tell you where a noise is comming from that I can't hear. With the car stationary push down and rock the front suspension up and down with body weight. Can you hear the noise? If so, which side?
Once you figure that out raise the car off the front axle and put a wrench on every nut and bolt on the suspension and make sure all fasteners are good 'N tight. Also look for rubbing. Check the rubber lower coil spring cushion. Take the strut loose or out completely and move the suspension in it's travel and listen for your noise. A mechanic's stethescope is a good buy (sears, harbor frieght). Also look to see if it is steering related by turning the wheels. Warning! suspension components must always be replaced in pairs. If you end up replacing the struts buy the upper swivel mount and lower pad. You may also try to find a shop with tool called Electronic Chassis Ears. These are clip on radio remote controlled microphones that you can place wherever and listen and switch between them as you drive. Hope I gave you some ideas
-Evan